02-06-2007, 04:05 PM
My dad just had it done (and has had 2 bypass operations plus a pacemaker installation). Not to minimize it, but it isn't too bad. He was in and out in two days and the recovery was pretty quick.
As you mentioned, blockages can occur due to genetics, not just poor diet. My dad had his first round of bypass surgery when he was in his late 40's. He will be 70 this year and I can't tell you how far these types of procedures have come.
The carotid procedure isn't that different from an angioplasty. They go in through the groin, snake a tube up to the blockage and either scrape it away or force inflate a balloon that displaces the blockage. The success rate seems to be very good.
At this point, my dad has had so many angiograms, two failed angioplasties and the surgeries that there is TONS of scar tissue in his groin so the insertion site is really more painful for him than it is for most.
My dad's was done with a twilight anastethic (sp) so he was somewhat aware of what was going on during the procedure. Your dad might have the same. He will probably recover in the cardiac ICU where they are WELL versed in follow up care for cardiac patients.
They'll tell him to avoid heavy lifting and he won't be able to drive for a few days but other than that I think you'll be pleasantly surprised as to how smooth the whole thing is. Much, much easier than bypass surgery.
Best wishes for a quick recovery and feel free to email me off the board if you have questions-
DM
As you mentioned, blockages can occur due to genetics, not just poor diet. My dad had his first round of bypass surgery when he was in his late 40's. He will be 70 this year and I can't tell you how far these types of procedures have come.
The carotid procedure isn't that different from an angioplasty. They go in through the groin, snake a tube up to the blockage and either scrape it away or force inflate a balloon that displaces the blockage. The success rate seems to be very good.
At this point, my dad has had so many angiograms, two failed angioplasties and the surgeries that there is TONS of scar tissue in his groin so the insertion site is really more painful for him than it is for most.
My dad's was done with a twilight anastethic (sp) so he was somewhat aware of what was going on during the procedure. Your dad might have the same. He will probably recover in the cardiac ICU where they are WELL versed in follow up care for cardiac patients.
They'll tell him to avoid heavy lifting and he won't be able to drive for a few days but other than that I think you'll be pleasantly surprised as to how smooth the whole thing is. Much, much easier than bypass surgery.
Best wishes for a quick recovery and feel free to email me off the board if you have questions-
DM